The researchers interviewed twenty-three women who had undergone one or more abortions about their understanding, attitudes, and experiences of fetal tissue disposal and ‘sensitive disposal’. Researchers analyzed the transcripts for representative themes.
Before the abortion, most participants did not consider disposal methods because their focus was on ending the pregnancy. Appropriate disposal by health professionals was assumed, but some women undergoing early medical abortion reported anxiety about managing disposal at home. The term ‘sensitive disposal’ was not known to a majority of respondents. Participants generally favored the separation of fetal tissue from other clinical waste. Participants approved incineration as a means of destruction. Proper disposal was approved of following the loss of a wanted pregnancy but not following elective abortion. Most wanted the opportunity to access information about disposal but did not favor being asked or required to make decisions about removal.
The study concluded that knowledge about fetal tissue management after an abortion or the concept of ‘sensitive disposal’ was limited among the women we interviewed. Current guidelines appear discordant with the views of women terminating an unwanted pregnancy. Further research is needed to inform policy on this issue better.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/41/2/84
